MacBook Pro redesign for 2012 not long away

Earlier this month we told you why any new Apple MacBook Pro refresh needed a Thunderbolt port, this was followed by the news that the Ivy Bridge processors were being delayed and could affect Apple’s plans for 2012. Now today we can tell you that the MacBook Pro 2012 redesign may not be too long away from hitting retailers’ shelves.

It is being reported that the thinner and lighter 13 and 15-inch MacBook Pros are expected to be available around April according to an article over at AppleInsider. Sources from Apple’s supply chain have suggested the device may launch by April with around 900,000 units expected to be available at the launch.

It doesn’t seem a new version of the 17-inch MacBook Pro will be available at the launch though. This fits in with earlier reports that hinted that Apple was focusing on the 15-inch model, with the 17-inch version releasing at a later date. The company used a similar method when it refreshed its MacBook Pro range back in 2008, with the larger version releasing a few months after.

With Apple refreshing its MacBook Pro range alongside new MacBook Airs with the recently announced Mountain Lion OS X 10.8, many feel it will prove a big test for notebooks based on Intel’s Ultrabook lineup.

After the recent news that the Ivy Bridge processors could be delayed until June some manufacturers may worry about Apple stealing an early advantage in the market. Intel may still give Apple access to the first batch of Ivy Bridge processors, so the company could still launch the new MacBook Pro range in April.

The new range will use design features from the successful MacBook Air lineup, as the company gears up for the launch of the Ultrabooks that are intended to be less than 21 mm thick. They are also set to weigh a maximum of only 3.1 pounds and will feature solid state drives with around 5 to 8 hours of battery life.

Early Ultrabooks have so far failed to compete with Apple with regards to price with the entry level MacBook Air starts at $999. Apple has also managed to get an advantage with metal unibody chassis for notebooks.